Grand Rapids Community College trustee: Should ex-Black Panther Angela Davis speak on campus?

GRAND RAPIDS -- A Grand Rapids Community College trustee says he's worried that two upcoming Diversity Lecture Series speakers -- including former Black Panther Angela Davis -- don't fit with the college's values.

Trustee Richard Ryskamp said he's worried such appearances give the public a poor perception of the college.

Since trustees plan to take a close look at the college's mission and values, he said allowing such speakers should be a part of the discussion.

Dr. Richard RyskampPres. Steven Ender

"I think nothing GRCC does is more public than the diversity series," Ryskamp said at Monday's board meeting.

"What does GRCC stand for? Are these views in line with what GRCC ought to stand for?"

But college President Steven Ender said he supports the series, and called lectures "places where learning can occur."

"I don't think it's the business of higher education to tell people which values are best and which values they should all live by," he said.

"I'd be concerned as president if specific values or morals would become part of our culture to promote."

Ryskamp, a Caledonia physician, was elected in May after campaigning about being opposed to policies he deemed offensive.

He has concerns about two of the series' five speakers, saying "they all come from the same side of the political spectrum, and we never hear from the other side."

He objects to the Oct. 14 presentation from Eric Alva, an Iraq military veteran and an activist on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community. Alva advocates for the repeal of the U.S. military's don't ask, don't tell policy.

Ryskamp said Alva presents a view that sodomy is wholesome, and said the military's policy has been discussed twice in the past year and three times in five years.

He's also concerned about the Feb. 10 session with Davis, a human rights advocate who twice ran for vice president on the Communist Party ticket.

A shotgun used to kill a judge in 1970 was registered in her name , and she was charged as an accomplice to conspiracy, kidnapping, and homicide -- and acquitted in a trial two years later.

"Angela Davis has been a member of the Black Panthers and the Community Party, violent hate groups," he said. "She supplied weapons to groups that used them to kill people, and the communists have killed tens of millions of people over the years."

Trustee Ellen James said it's appropriate for the group to discuss campus values, but believes dictating which speakers should be invited would be micromanaging the president and his staff.

Other trustees questioned Ryskamp's charge allowing such speakers on a public college campus would be contrary to state and federal constitutions.

The Diversity Lecture Series, in its 15th year, takes place off campus at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, to accommodate the series' larger crowds in recent years.

Speakers are selected by a committee that looks at current trends and interesting topics, said Cynthia Springer, vice president for organizational development, who oversees the program.